WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wauwatosa West High School's American Public Policy Special Emphasis team celebrated a fifth place finish at the national We the People: The Citizen and Constitution National Finals competition.

The event took place in Washington, D.C. on April 24, marking the third consecutive year the team achieved a Top 10 ranking.

Superintendent Dr. Demond Means praised the team for their excellence and dedication in a Thursday, April 27 press release. He noted the accomplishment has resulted in national recognition. The 29 students involved, led by coach Chad Mateske, teaching assistants and mentors, will be honored at a Board of Education meeting on May 8.

Wauwatosa West's APPSE team has now secured a spot in the National Championship finals five times in the program's 16-year history. The course explores government structure, rights, court cases and current events as students prepare for the annual We the People competition.

The National Finals, held April 22 - 24, hosted nearly 1,000 students from 48 schools, showcasing their civic knowledge through simulated congressional hearings.

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